Netherlands Plans to Acquire New Stealth Submersible Delivery Vehicles for Special Forces Operations

The Netherlands is preparing to upgrade its special forces’ underwater capabilities by acquiring new Submersible Delivery Vehicles (SDVs). The Dutch Ministry of Defence, through its procurement division COMMIT (Materiel and IT Command), has released a Request for Information (RFI) to gather details from manufacturers on available SDV systems that meet modern operational needs. These vehicles are intended for the elite Netherlands Maritime Special Operations Forces (NLMARSOF).

Why the Netherlands Needs New SDVs

Currently, the NLMARSOF uses Diving Propulsion Devices (DPDs) from the American company STIDD. These smaller systems are versatile and can be launched from land, ships, and submarines like the Walrus-class. For deeper and longer missions, NLMARSOF uses the Shadow Seal SDV—originally designed by Dutch firm Ortega Submersibles BV before it was acquired by the UK-based JFD.

However, as operational requirements evolve, the Royal Netherlands Navy is now seeking more advanced SDVs that offer greater range, speed, stealth, and environmental adaptability.

What the Netherlands is Looking For

The new SDVs must be able to carry between four to eight combat divers, including all their gear and mission equipment. A key requirement is the integration of internal rebreather systems with a capacity of at least 240 minutes of breathable air per person—crucial for long-duration underwater missions.

Key Specifications Demanded in the RFI

The Royal Netherlands Navy is looking for SDVs with advanced technical capabilities:

• Surface range: Minimum 80 nautical miles

• Submerged range: Minimum 25 nautical miles

• Surface speed: At least 30 knots

• Submerged speed: Minimum of 5 knots

• Operating depth: Certified for 30 meters, though safety margins suggest capability for deeper depths

• Temperature range: Operational in air temperatures from +50°C to -15°C and seawater temperatures from +35°C to -2°C

• Stealth: Extremely low acoustic signature when submerged to avoid detection

• Sea state operation: Capable of operating up to sea state 4, allowing missions in moderately rough sea conditions

Potential Candidates and Deployment

The RFI's high demands significantly narrow the field of potential SDVs. Notably, SDVs like the Mark 11 SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV Mk 11) are unlikely to qualify due to design limitations. Viable candidates may include:

• JFD’s Carrier Seal

• SubSea Craft’s Victa

• Newer variants of the Shadow Seal

The Navy plans to procure three SDVs capable of launching from Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) and nine new DPDs for submarine deployment. Although the current plan does not specifically mention SDVs compatible with submarines, future integration—especially with the upcoming Orka-class submarines—remains a possibility. These new submarines will be larger than the current Walrus-class, providing more flexibility for SDV operations.

Regional Trends and Strategic Outlook

This move comes at a time when other NATO allies are also modernizing their special forces capabilities. For instance, the Belgian Navy is also exploring similar underwater delivery platforms for its combat divers. This signals a broader regional trend in reinforcing maritime special operations in response to evolving security challenges.

The Netherlands’ planned SDV acquisition reflects a shift towards more advanced, stealthy, and long-range underwater transport solutions for its elite frogmen. These new vehicles will allow the NLMARSOF to carry out missions with enhanced precision, deeper penetration, and reduced risk of detection—reinforcing the Netherlands’ role in NATO’s maritime security efforts.